SHARM EL-SHEIKH - South Sinai Governor Mohamed Abdul Fadil Shousha declared seven areas of Sharm el-Sheikh as shark-free, allowing divers to resume their activities in the world's top diving destinations. Governor Shousha decreed that beaches off Ras Mohamed Protectorate, Sharm el-Maiya, Neema Bay, Ras Umm el-Sayyed, the Shark House, Ras Gamila, Ras Nussrani, Nabaq Protectorate and Nakhlat el-Tibl were to be re-opened to amateur and expert divers. The decree comes after experts have agreed that the waters off the seven areas were shark-free, Shousha said. Diving and snorkeling activities were banned off Sharm el-Sheikh following an unusual series of shark attacks last month. Egyptian and foreign scientists suggested building observation towers on the beach and running naval patrols to alert tourists against future shark attacks. Shousha has also declared that the divers were allowed to return to the waters off Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba. The resort at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula has boomed since the 1980s. There are some 100 hotels, long stretches of sandy white beaches, desert safari excursions and a vibrant night life. Beach tourism is believed to contribute about 66 per cent of Egypt's total income from tourism, which is expected to reach $12.3 billion by the end of the current fiscal year in June, Tourism Minister Zohair Garranah has been quoted. In a related development, diving club owners and experts welcomed Shousha's decree as now that no single shark attack has occurred.
